Akinbolade Kehinde Arikawe

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

Akinbolade Kehinde Arikawe, admitted to the Roll in April 2006, was found guilty of conduct unbefitting a solicitor including dishonest misappropriation of client and office monies, forging signatures and bank statements, and providing false references and information both before and after admission. Across three firms (CFB, Pedro Emmanuel, and Cherith) he engaged in fraudulent transactions and forgeries. The Tribunal found all allegations substantiated (uncontested) and made an express finding of dishonesty. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay costs of £3,973.20.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• No improper use of client money
• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Forged partners' signatures on CHAPS transfer request and cheque
• Fabricated office and client bank account statements to conceal transactions
• Provided forged references and false information
• Repeated dishonesty across three firms
• Several repayment cheques were not honoured on presentation
• Dismissed for gross misconduct from multiple firms

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the allegations
• Expressed remorse and apology
• Repaid monies to firms
• Completed two years training with no complaints about actual work
• Claimed he was pressured into situations